Japanese entire Stinger Glass has been withdrawn from next week’s Melbourne Cup after failing to meet Racing Victoria’s mandatory pre-race screening requirements.
Racing Victoria confirmed on Friday morning that an independent imaging review panel deemed the Yasuo Tomomichi-trained entire to be at an increased risk of injury following both CT and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans conducted this week.
Consequently, the six-year-old progeny of Kizuna has been stood down from competition for the remainder of the 2026 Spring Carnival.
“In accordance with the conditions of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, Stinger Glass was presented on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre in Werribee for a compulsory CT scan of its distal limbs,” RV’s statement detailed.
“The three members from the independent imaging review panel assigned to review the CT scan results for Stinger Glass, reported to RV Veterinary Services that the CT scan results indicated the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury.”
“Given the imaging panel’s advice, in accordance with RV’s veterinary protocols, the Tomomichi stable was afforded the opportunity for Stinger Glass to undergo a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan which can help determine the status of an area of concern.”
“Stinger Glass presented yesterday afternoon (Thursday, 28 October 2026) for a PET scan at the University of Melbourne Equine Centre and the results were shared with three members of the imaging panel for review overnight Australian time.”
“Having reviewed the PET scan results alongside the CT scan results, the panel members have advised RV Veterinary Services that they remain of the view that Stinger Glass is currently at heightened risk of injury.”
“Following advice from RV Veterinary Services in relation to the specialist opinions from the imaging review panel, RV Stewards have this morning stood down Stinger Glass from competing in the remainder of the 2026 Spring Racing Carnival.”
Stinger Glass now joins the Ciaron Maher-trained Saint George, another horse with a guaranteed Melbourne Cup start, as notable withdrawals after failing the stringent scanning process.
An additional three horses are still awaiting official clearance for the Melbourne Cup following initial physical examinations on Thursday. These horses will undergo re-examination by RV veterinarians before final acceptances are confirmed.
Defiantly, previously a favourite, presented with a missing right hind shoe and a noticeable change in gait compared to prior veterinary assessments. This entire will be re-examined on Saturday morning after being re-shod, alongside Enfjaar and Wine Dark Sea.
Vauban and Litzdeel, who also did not pass Thursday’s inspections, were reassessed on Friday and have now been cleared to race.
For the latest odds and betting markets on the Melbourne Cup, explore the extensive options available at Australian betting sites.